Application of the Optimal Control Model for the Human Operator to Reliability Assessment

A model for the human controller in continuous manual control tasks is described. The model is based on modern control and human response theories. Techniques for predicting closed-loop system performance and relative workload for the task are presented. The implications for reliability assessment in corresponding man-machine problems are discussed. Finally, an example that involves prediction of pilot performance and workload, and their relation to mission success, for a STOL landing-approach is given.